Ethan, Who Loved Carter

By: Ryan Loveless

Narrated by: K. C. Kelly

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

By 24, Carter Stevenson has stuttered and ticced his way to debilitating shyness. Although his friends accuse him of letting his Tourette's dictate his life, Carter moves from Los Angeles to a quiet California town. He'll keep his head down and avoid people. He doesn't anticipate his new neighbor, Ethan Hart, crashing into his solitude and forcing him to get out and live.

From the beginning, Ethan makes his love for Carter clear. But he fears Carter won't see past Ethan's damaged brain, even though it makes Ethan more attuned to his emotions than most people. For Carter, there's a bigger issue: He's been burned by so-called "perfect" matches, and he won't risk his heart again.

One way or another, Ethan's determined to show Carter they belong together. Then Ethan receives tragic news. Suddenly he must turn to Carter for strength and support. Will Carter come through when Ethan needs him most?

©2012 Ryan Loveless (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press

Wow...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A resounding yes. This is such a feel good story. It has the right mixture of angst, humor, and erotic elements. I wish everyone would listen to it.

What did you like best about this story?

The apparent love and respect that everyone had for Ethan.

Which character – as performed by K. C. Kelly – was your favorite?

Ethan.

If you could rename Ethan, Who Loved Carter, what would you call it?

I don't think I could rename it. The title is perfect.

Any additional comments?

I don't normally read tearjerkers but I couldn't ignore this book. I don't know why I deigned to listen to it at work. There were many a scene where I reached for my tissue box. I haven't been moved by a story in a very long time. Initially, I didn't know if the narrator was the right choice. I am happy to say that he is. Mr. Kelly did a wonderful job. He evoked so much emotion from me and I consider that a job well done. Bravo Ms Loveless. I wish there was a sequel.

Inspiring story

This is a lovely and super sweet story about the love between a man with brain damage and a debilitating shy man with Turrets Syndrome. Both young men have challenges and demons to face. They get together fairly early in the book so most of the book is about them learning to love and trust each other. There is no real conflict and it is a slow read and really sweet. Lots of "you're amazing" and "it doesn't matter what others say about you, I love you." It is well written but pretty predictable and a little boring in spots; no real surprises. Just a feel good listen about two inspiring young men. The narrator does a good job. I especially liked his voice of the two MCs. Worth a credit.

Emotional High!!!!

What made the experience of listening to Ethan, Who Loved Carter the most enjoyable?

I read this e-book many months ago and really enjoyed it. I was so excited when I learned the audio version was coming and downloaded it the first day it was available. I took a chance that the narrator would honor Ethan and Carter with voices that they both deserved. I was so happy that he did just that. Both characters came to life under the narration of
K. C. Kelly. As a reader you learn that Carter has Tourette's and Ethan has a traumatic brain injury, I can imagine what they would sound like by reading the amazing Ryan Loveless's words. But K.C. Kelly brings them life. You cheer for their victories and want to shield them both from the brutality that others throw at them. And above all you want to be their champions.

What other book might you compare Ethan, Who Loved Carter to and why?

Over coming obstacles and finding someone to love and accept you is pretty much the story line I love. Aaron by J.P. Barnaby is another excellent example of overcoming tragedies in life and the writing style is very similar in that they are both gifted in telling stories.

Have you listened to any of K. C. Kelly’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have a very large library of m/m audio books that I have listened to but surprisingly this is the only one I have by this narrator. I hope he records many more and I will look for his name when I am making decisions on what to purchase next.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No I like to savor my books. Listen and then think about the characters. the story builds through the narrator and I like to build with them slowly.

Any additional comments?

Just listen to the Audio Book of; Ethan, who loved Carter. You will not regret a moment of your time and you will be touched by the story.

5 stars = I freaking LOVED this book!!!

I discovered Ethan, Who Loved Carter after listening to K.C. Kelly’s narration of Knave of Broken Hearts. I fell in love with Kelly’s voice, so having credits I needed to use, I went in search of other audiobooks he’d narrated. When I read the blurb for Ethan, Who Loved Carter, I knew that I had to have it. I’ve worked with persons with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and persons with stutters and tics similar to those of Tourette’s, so I couldn’t wait to delve into Ethan and Carter’s story. And Loveless’s words and Kelly’s performance made this an audiobook I know I will listen to again and again. I’m actually writing this review after listening to the audiobook for a second time, six months after the first. I wanted to experience Ethan and Carter’s story again because Loveless is releasing a young adult version of the novel entitled Ethan later this month.

Ethan, Who Loved Carter is an absolutely beautiful tale of acceptance – of one’s self and of others. Because of his stutters and tics, Carter is often underestimated by those around him who don’t know him. Sadly, this is an all too real occurrence, people assuming that because an individual has a disorder that impedes their ability to communicate, that they are not intelligent. Even knowing this, Carter’s initial interaction with Ethan is tinged with similar misjudgment because Carter assumes that whatever is “wrong” with Ethan will make him easier to talk to; and while Carter is able to stop stuttering while talking to Ethan, it only lasts long enough for Carter to stick his foot in his mouth. Despite his tendency to avoid stressful situations, Carter forces himself to go to Ethan’s house next door and apologize for what he said. Thus begins the journey of two men becoming friends, learning to enjoy one another’s company, learning to care about one another and each wanting to take care of other, and eventually becoming more once Carter admits to himself that he wants to be more than just friends with Ethan – something Ethan has wanted from the very beginning.

One of the many things I love about Ethan is how he sees Carter’s tics as music and is able to communicate his enjoyment of Carter’s “music” in such a way that Carter takes pleasure in Ethan’s joy. I also found Ethan’s capacity to love and to forgive to be beyond heartwarming. It’s far too easy to focus on the negative and see what’s missing in a person after they’ve experienced a TBI, but Ethan reminds us that we need to look at the entire person because while Ethan may not have had the chance to become the person he was on his way to being, his life is still rich – full of friends, family, happiness, and love. Ethan’s family plays a pivotal role in the novel as they are a big part in his life. I really liked how Loveless was able to show the love and support of the family, while adding the realism of the frustration and occasional resentment siblings may experience. Ethan’s family is not portrayed as being perfect and I love the author for that because it not only adds to the realism of the story, but keeps other caregivers from feeling guilty for not living up to fictional characters. And their easy acceptance of Carter into Ethan’s life made me happier than I can express for so many reasons. Having just finished the audiobook, with Carter’s wish for a teen-aged Ethan to have been in his life fresh on my mind, I cannot wait to crack open Ethan.

I reviewed my personal copy of this audiobook for Wicked Reads.

Lovely and compelling story

This is a slow burn romance between two wonderful men who have no idea what beauty lays ahead for them. Tender narration by K.C. Kelly. Very enjoyable and we’ll done. Highly recommended.

Absolutely Fantastic!!

I hope that every adult on this planet or either read or listen to this book, you may learn something. (Acceptance)

Stupendous

But keep the tissues handy.
The heat level is only mildly simmering in this one, but the love is really deep and transcends the flaws in Ethan and Carter. You will really love these men.
KC Kelly did a great job narrating. The different voices were distinct and during one part, he actually sang when the character sang.
Definitely one deserving of a second listen

One of my favorite audiobooks ever!

This is another book that I can’t believe I’ve never formally reviewed! It’s one of my all time favorites, and I listen to it over and over again. Several times a year.

I loved it as a book first, then the audio, but I think that now I love the audio even more than the book because KC Kelly’s voice has become the characters to me.

What I love about this story is it’s bravery. Ethan is brain damaged and at times that might feel like he’s young – too young to really have an adult relationship. But it’s just not true and the author shows us why.

Carter – who has his own demons with his TS – falls into believing that falsehood too – at first – but over time he realizes that Ethan merely sees the world in a different way, not that he can’t make adult decisions – but he does need help – and really? – who doesn’t?

The author does an amazing job of both being in Carter’s head and showing us Ethan’s POV as well. The language and the pacing of the dialog help to set the understanding of the black and white world Ethan lives in.

If I have any complaints at all about this story, it’d be the way the “truth” is handled when Ethan finds out more about his accident. In a way I think it needed more. It was a profoundly HUGE thing – both the whys and the hows and how his family handled the situation and I think it could have occupied even more space in the story as it was so transformative. I’d have loved to see these guys as a couple a bit more down the line after that new information had settled a bit to see how it affected them.

But… that being said, it’s practically perfect as it is.

I think my favorite parts are when Ethan tries so hard to explain his feelings to Carter and Carter realizes that Ethan has had it right all along.

The other thing I love about this is Ethan’s depiction of Carter’s tics.

It’s just an amazing book and a fantastic look at these two issues in a way that is both respectful and loving and the way these guys fall in love is just so sweet and special.

KC Kelly gives the stuttering Carter just the right touch and Ethan’s flat, more monotone voice the perfect tone as well. He does the emotion, pacing and non-dialog bits evenly and with just the right inflection. He doesn’t give any over the top accents to the secondary characters, but it’s always clear who’s talking. Instead, he lets Carter and Ethan be the stars of this story – as they should be – and let’s them tell us their tale.

I can’t recommend this highly enough, it’s one of my favorites. Give it a try.

6 of 5 stars

Surprising and beautiful

I absolutely loved this story. The way the two MCs grow together as individuals and as a couple is wonderful. The narration is spot on. Will listen to it many more times and I am looking forward to further books from the author on audible.

Lovingly Written and Narrated, a Keeper!

Would you listen to Ethan, Who Loved Carter again? Why?

This is one of my favorite stories, one I've read multiple times. Couple my love of the story with excellent narration, and I know I'll be listening again.

What about K. C. Kelly’s performance did you like?

K.C. Kelly delivered distinct characters, wonderful pacing, and great emotion into this story. There wasn't any time where I was drawn out of the story because of his narration.

Any additional comments?

I'm fairly new to audiobooks, so I've been easing my way in with books I already love. Having had a poor narration experience with another book that is a favorite of mine, I was delighted to find Ethan, Who Loved Carter's audiobook living up to the experience of the book in print. I'm looking forward to more of K.C. Kelly's work, just as I have Ryan Loveless'.

Wonderful

I loved this as a book with the narration included it went to a higher level. I laughed and cried. I have so much love for this book.

couldn't stop reading it !!!!!!

Amazing story and could relate to a lot of the feelings and emotions involved . A must read for any romantic out there .

You won't be sorry you listened

There is nothing to dislike, K C Kelly is a superb story teller, the novel should be in every one's library

love love LOVED this!

Any additional comments?

Usually, when I write reviews for audio books, I write about the book first and the narration after. I cannot, simply CANNOT do that here. Why? I can't split them, because the narration is what makes this book for me.

Oh don't get me wrong, the book itself is awesome, but the narration K.C.Kelly is what takes it to another level. I truly believe I would not have enjoyed this book as much had I read it. Here's why.

Ethan is brain damaged from an incident (not saying what because that will give spoilers) and READING the book, when Ethan is talking, it might have come across as *finding the right word is HARD!* simplistic. That the way Ethan talks might not come across right. But the narration by Kelly? Gives it just what it needs.

Ethan and Carter are very different, their challenges in life so very far from each other, but from that very first time Carter sees Ethan, listening to the music in the clouds, he knows that Ethan is special. Ethan makes his love for Carter known from the beginning. He can hear Carter's music too, in his ticks and clicks and jerks. Oh, I loved the way Ethan's brain worked!

I loved Ethan's family and friends and how they all looked out for him. Ethan has some very laugh out loud moments, and some very heartbreaking ones. I understand why his family did what they did, but I can see why Ethan felt so hurt by it.

The research into both Carter and Ethan's conditions shows, and it makes for powerful listening.

Kelly's narration was, Ethan's voice aside, excellent. I loved his other voices, and his reading voice was clear and deep, and I had no trouble following multi person conversations. This is the first I have listened to by Kelly and my wish list on Audible is now several books longer. Its also the first of Loveless that I have read/listened to, again, wish list, longer!

I do hope Loveless will write more about Ethan and Carter, I'd love to catch up with them along their way!

5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration
5 stars overall

**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Audible.co.uk, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Kobo**